Yangon’s Midnight Mayhem
When the Police Unleash the Wild Side
Yesterday, the streets of Yangon went from sleepy to frantic. Overnight, police marched into the Tamwe neighbourhood, determined to snuff out a protest targeting a newly installed military official. The whole scene looked straight out of a dramatic movie—shouting crowds, charged opposition, and a sudden burst of street‑light fireworks.
What the Council Said
Meanwhile, the World Bank dropped a bombshell: it will no longer tap into funds requested after the February 1 coup. The decision comes as Myanmar’s economy is still rough‑shinned under an army takeover.
Why the Chaos? A Quick Breakdown
- Army Seizes Power. The military took the reins after a disputed November election, releasing civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her allies.
- Protesters Take a Stand. Residents rallied against a military appointee who had been thrust into a city role.
- Police Respond. Riot squads fired warning shots into the sky and deployed stun grenades to scatter the crowd.
- World Bank’s Stand. The bank now refuses to process any aid applications made post‑coup, putting a further strain on the country’s shaky economy.
Bottom Line
Between the army’s chokehold on political life and a police crackdown that feels more like a fireworks display than a cease‑fire, Yangon has thrown a real nail‑biter into an already tense situation. The night‑time showdown shows just how charged the city’s streets have become—last night, and hopefully, the future.
<img alt="" data-caption="Buddhist monks and demonstrators rally against the military coup and to show their support to local residents after riot police officers used teargas to disperse a crowd that held a protest the night before in Yangon's Tamwe neighborhood, Myanmar, February 26, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”b566bf53-8274-4c1c-90fa-d66e1162d5b5″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210226_monsanddemonstrators_reuters.jpg”/>
Police Standoff Leaves Residents in Shock: Stun Grenades & Swag Lost in the Streets
What Happened?
Late Friday night, a tense showdown unfolded outside the city hall. Residents who were on the sidelines described the scene as “really scared.” Those who stayed on the streets later found a bizarre aftermath: a handful of stun grenade casings littering the sidewalks, and, to their surprise, flip‑flops that had been abandoned by the few protestors still on the move.
Key Findings
- Stun Grenade Casings: Shattered glass and copper hulls scattered across the pavement.
- Abandoned Flip‑Flops: A pile of casual footwear, left behind like a forgotten souvenir.
- Police Footprints: Heavy footprints leading back to the blue‑and‑white uniforms.
Local Reactions
Neighbors chattered with disbelief: “This was a movie, but the sequel was our street,” one resident joked with a grin. Others, however, were less amused, noting the unsettling quiet that stretched into the early morning hours.
Looking Forward
With the incident still under review, the city promises transparent updates. Meanwhile, the community gathers to clean up the street, turning the night’s dramatic events into a shared story of resilience and, yes, a few unexpected fashion finds.
<img alt="" data-caption="A man holds parts of a teargas grenade that riot police officers used to disperse a crowd that held a protest the night before in Yangon's Tamwe neighborhood, Myanmar, February 26, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9f55f3a5-0f5f-4097-9d98-145e0204fb51″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210226_amanholdingpartsofateargasgrenade_reuters.jpg”/>
Military’s Legal Roll‑Call: 23 Targets in the Latest Showdown
Who’s on the List?
- 23 suspects – the army’s on the hot seat, ready to press the legal trigger.
- 10 women – because this fight isn’t just a male‑dominated game.
Why the Hooligan Hum?
The military’s big move to re‑impose its authority is making a lot of noise. People from every side of life are stepping up, and the army finds itself facing a chorus of “no‑thanks!” across the country.
Three Weeks of Urban Throw‑downs
- Every day, protests and strikes that turn streets into living rooms of dissent.
- Crowds so massive, you might think the “crowd” was a human swarm over a giant buffet.
- From quiet village squares to bustling metros, the numbers are keeping the army on its toes.
Backstory: From Suu Kyi’s Freedom to Military’s Wall‑of‑Glass
Under Suu Kyi’s civilian rule, the nation enjoyed a smooth ride with fewer lines at the store. Now, with the army forcing a new rule set, the people sigh, “We’re used to the freedom, not a one‑man show.” The military’s attempt to regain control is like trying to hand back a seat that’s already taken.
<img alt="" data-caption="Demonstrators rally against the military coup and to show their support to local residents after riot police officers used teargas to disperse a crowd that held a protest the night before in Yangon's Tamwe neighborhood, Myanmar, February 26, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”d2f75471-382f-4666-a8f5-cb6e49281b16″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210226_demonstratorsrallyagainstthemilitarycoup_reuters.jpg”/>
Violence and Protest in Yangon: A Week in Review
Thursday – Feb 25
Friday – the Show Isn’t Over
Key Takeaways
Grit, bravado, and a dash of irony: Yangon’s streets this week were anything but quiet. While the police played their part in a punch‑drunk ballet, the city’s protestors stayed ready for the next finale—because when one show ends abruptly, another is rarely far off.<img alt="" data-caption="Riot police officers stand guard during a rally against the military coup at the University of Yangon, in Yangon, Myanmar, February 25, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”afc14e93-023c-4cb7-8d4f-ebdc068dfb6f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210226_riotpolicestandguard_reuters.jpg”/>
Myanmar’s Youth and the Media Stunt: A Stand for Freedom
When 21‑year‑old Nyein Chan Sithu turns up at the protest, it’s not just about chanting slogans—he’s shouting loud, “This is ALMOST pivot point for our future!” That’s how it feels when people aren’t willing to settle for a government that treats them like a side dish on a buffet table. He’s telling the world that this generation might be the last to stand up against the junta – and that would be scary, if it’s true.
Media on a Wild Ride
Just yesterday, a band of reporters announced they’d not pull back from using the word “coup.” The government was throwing a big “no‑coup” bomb to keep news from calling it that. But compared to the last 50 years of all‑but‑silence under the military, that is practically the “no‑hugs” flag flipping.
- Previous junta: “If you say ‘coup’, you’re in danger.”
- Today: “If you say ‘coup’, you’re just being honest.”
- Result: Media starts shouting loudly; it’s a show of dissent.
Army’s Legal Spin
The army’s spokesperson swore they were playing by the book. They say the overthrow followed the constitution – basically that the power shift was legal because the previous election had alleged fraud that the top brass said was “ignored.” But here’s a twist: The Election Commission declared the Nov. 8 vote fair. So in a way, the army’s story looks a little like “we’re different than the stories,” like wearing a new shirt that no one else likes.
Why It Matters
- Politicians and elected officials have more confidence when people can openly question the regime.
- When reporters refuse to use “coup,” it keeps the conversation real and direct, not a euphemism puzzle.
- For the young, it’s a reminder that the world’s ‘future’ will probably be built on their voices.
So, it’s not just a letter of protest; it’s a full-blown act of courage. The crowd says what they feel, the media refuses to play its part in the story, and the army claims its heavy hand was justified. But in the end, Myanmar’s hunger for a dignified government is unmistakably loud. And that noise is already shaking the very foundation of the junta’s reign. Stay tuned, people—there are more chapters to this story.
‘Cautious’
Myanmar’s Mood‑Swings: Beats, Violence, and Global Nerves
1⃣ The Tempest Grows
Just when the country was already stuck in a whirlwind of COVID‑19 and economic slump, a new crisis brewed up—an ominous mix of international isolation and investor jitters that is tightening the bite of the economic rubber band.
2⃣ Social Media in the Crossfire
Facebook, feeling the heat of the “deadly violence” launched by the military coup, decided to lock the regime out of Facebook and Instagram. “We’re protecting users, not regime charisma,” the platform announced.
3⃣ Protests: Calm on the Surface, Blood under the Skin
General Min Aung Hlaing claims the troops used “minimal force.” Yet the news is grim: at least three protesters and a police officer lost their lives. The army’s pretext? They’re “running a clean operation” while the casualties keep piling.
4⃣ World Bank Holds Guard
- Payments to Myanmar projects, already on hold, are frozen at every withdrawal post‑coup.
- World Bank chief David Malpass promised “extra caution” but continues to fund older projects, especially emergency COVID‑19 relief.
- Last year alone, the Bank disbursed over $350 million—or SG$464 million—for pandemic aid, farmers help, and rural jobs.
5⃣ The Western Front: Sanctions and Calls for Democracy
Britain, the United States and other allies have pushed for Suu Kyi’s release and a return to democratic governance. The UK’s latest move? Six extra military figures, including the head honcho Min Aung Hlaing, hit the sanctions list. 19 before, 25 now.
6⃣ The Promise of Elections, the Gloom of a One‑Year Emergency
The army’s vow: a new election post “voter list review.” No concrete timeline yet. Instead, over a year of emergency rule sits like a stale loaf loafing around.
7⃣ Suu Kyi’s Detention Dilemma
The stalwart leader remains in custody at her Naypyidaw home. Her party insists the November victory must be honored—yet the ladder of hope is stunted.
Bottom Line
Myanmar’s political storm is leaving the economy in a double bind, with the world watching—some eyeing the army’s crisis as a series of minor domestic blips, others calling it a full‑on international crisis.
